The Dream that makes you dream

'Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true'.

This is a quote from Cardinal Suenens, a great leader of the post war Belgian church whose vision helped to guide the second Vatican council.

He is also reputed to have said

'Hope is not a dream but a way of making dreams become reality'.

The new strenna for the Salesian family in 2024 is

'The Dream that makes you dream, a heart that transforms….'

In our present time, when conflict seems to be all around us, it may be hard to find a sense of peace and hope for the future. Cardinal Suenens reminds us that dreams will only become reality through hard work, dedication, and no little faith. Hope is the driver that leaves open the possibility that dreams can be realised.

As we dream of peace and security for all in our world, especially the young and the vulnerable, we are reminded of the words of the lady who appeared in Don Bosco's dream at 9, who told him that real transformation would only happen, not through blows, but through humility and gentleness.

Let us pray, as we begin a new year, that these virtues may become more evident in our world and that justice, peace and hope may prevail.

I wish you and your families every blessing in 2024.